The Eastern Cape Film Festival (ECFF) workshop returned to Kariega for the ninth time, reigniting conversations about the growth of the local film industry and the need for greater support for emerging filmmakers.
Held from March 21 to 23, the event brought together industry professionals and aspiring creatives for days of learning, networking, and skill development. Among those sharing their expertise and overview of the festival with UD Express were ECFF Business Consultant Mncedi Mgwigwi and legendary actor Sithembiso Prince, who provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Eastern Cape’s film landscape.
According to Mgwigwi, the festival was a success, even attracting an appearance from the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Mgwigwi added that the festival aimed to educate and raise awareness about the film industry, especially in the Eastern Cape.
“We had quite a number of prominent individuals within the media industry present, including actors, musicians, scriptwriters, and directors. We also had representatives from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Film and Publication Board, and the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) present. The NFVF emphasised the importance of actively seeking funding for their films and encouraged individuals to explore funding opportunities with the NFVF. They advised filmmakers not to be afraid to engage with the organisation and to feel free to reach out when working on projects. It was also noted that most applications are rejected either due to applying for the wrong type of funding or lacking specificity, which was clarified during the workshop,” Mgwigwi stated.
Mgwigwi also highlighted the role of the Eastern Cape Film Hub, an organisation determined to establish itself as a provincial tool for empowering filmmakers. He noted their interest in collaborating with the ECFF going forward.
“There were about 120 people present during the weekend festival, and they acknowledged that they had gained valuable lessons from the speakers we hosted. As we look forward to our tenth annual film festival next year, we aim to solidify partnerships with more industry giants and stakeholders within the film production sector. Among the prominent figures present, we had Mthobile Mali, Zwai Mgijima, Zwai Bala, Unathi Platyi, and several local talents, including Sithembiso Prince, who is one of the pioneers of the film industry in the Eastern Cape,” he added.
One of the protagonists of Ululu Ubuyile, Sithembiso Prince, stated that since he began acting in 1982, Eastern Cape actors have often had to move to bigger cities to establish themselves in the film industry, thereby neglecting their own province.
“I moved to Johannesburg to act because there were no opportunities in the Eastern Cape film industry. As someone from Makhanda, I went to Johannesburg to follow my passion. Not just me, but many isiXhosa-speaking actors left their homes to pursue opportunities there. After hearing about this initiative to boost the Eastern Cape film industry, I was excited to be part of it because I have been directly affected by this issue. I am glad to have met the ECFF, and I am hopeful that we can collaborate further to tell more stories from our province,” Prince said.
Prince expressed hope that the efforts of the ECFF would positively impact the Eastern Cape’s film industry by reducing the number of individuals who feel compelled to leave their home province to advance their careers in other regions.
“We opened the door for isiXhosa-speaking actors in 1982, aspiring for a day when Eastern Cape residents wouldn’t need to leave their province to succeed. From 1982 until 2025, in my opinion, there hasn’t been much improvement, as people are still migrating to larger cities. However, with the efforts of the ECFF and other stakeholders, the province’s film industry is growing, albeit slowly but steadily.”
Prince added that, while there were no opportunities in the province when he started his career, the situation was improving. He expressed optimism that his grandchildren and future generations could pursue their passion for filmmaking in the “Home of Legends,” telling the stories of the Eastern Cape, for its people, by its people.
